Book Your Place at the 2018 Leeway Conference

16 Aug

On Wednesday 3rd October we are hosting our annual conference at the Airport Holiday Inn, Norwich. The theme for this year’s event is “Supporting people affected by domestic abuse who have complex needs.” This topic follows on from our 2017 conference looking at the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people, which was attended by 150 people. We hope this year’s conference proves to be just as popular.

Speakers Confirmed

There are lots of excellent speakers confirmed, discussing a range of important issues and providing a knowledge and understanding of how we can best meet the support needs of those affected by domestic abuse who have complex needs. We have listened to the feedback from delegates at last year's conference and have made sure that there are opportunities for audience question and answer sessions with our speakers. This year’s speakers are:

Janet McDermott – Manager of Member Support Services at Women’s Aid Federation England and an Asian woman trainer and writer based in Sheffield. Janet is also a founder member of Ashiana Black Women’s Refuge in Sheffield.

Illary Valenzuela Oblitas – As part of her work at Latin American Women's Rights Service, Illary coordinates the Step Up Migrant Women campaign in coalition with other 30 women's organisations

Kelly Semper – A commissioner for Norfolk County Council Public Health Team, focusing on leading the County Community Partnership priority of Domestic Abuse, coordinating the multi-agency response to Domestic Abuse, and working in partnership to deliver services to tackle wider vulnerabilities within the families of Norfolk.

Mike Ward – For the past 15 years, Mike has been working as Senior Consultant with Alcohol Concern. In this role he has provided training and consultancy on many aspects of alcohol-related harm.

Suzi Heybourne – Chief Executive of the Magdalene Group, providing support to women and young people who are affected by sexual exploitation and coercion.

Katy Jon Went – from GenderAgenda, an abuse survivor and activist, speaker and writer on issues including gender, sexuality, mental health and disability.

There will also be a performance by the Coast to Coast Theatre Company – an emerging regional company who create conversations around local issues and support local voices on national and global issues.

The popular “marketplace” area will return this year, providing organisations the chance to have a stand with information about their services and network with our attendees. Stall spaces cost £100 and include 1 attendee pass for the conference. Tables and chairs can be provided by the venue and we can accommodate most types of exhibitor stand & signage within the space available with sufficient planning notice.